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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Cough And Sneezing Inspite Of Quitting Smoking

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Posted on Fri, 23 May 2014
Question: Hi, My question is about a cough I can't seem to get rid of.
I'm a 52 year old smoker. I've gone to my doctor a couple of times about this issue, and still haven't gotten it resolved. I have a chronic cough that is always accompanied with sneezing. This occurs 5 to 10 times daily. I was diagnosed once with bronchitis and sinus infections and given antibiotics. My cough subsided only a week after taking them. My second visit, I had an x-ray done as well. My lungs were clear. I was given antibiotic and albuterol inhalers. Still I cough. What on earth can this be? I quit smoking over a month ago, and still cough. It's making me miserable. HELP
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
may be due to post nasal drip

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Chronic cough is a cough that lasts 8 weeks or more. It can be due to 3 main causes though other causes may be responsible: (1) post nasal drip-this is the most common cause. Secretions from the nose drip into the back of the throat.
Some persons may have a silent drip. This means that they may not detect the drip and have the other symptoms normally associated with post nasal drip.

The fact that the cough is associated with sneezing may imply that post nasal drip is the cough because sneezing is also a symptom of sinusitis.

(2)asthma is the second most common cause of chronic cough. Your doctor may have suspected this because he gave albuterol inhalors

(3)GERD- reflux of acid from the stomach is another cause of persistent coughing
Typically most persons would have other reflux symptoms such as burning discomfort in the chest, bloating, nausea, acid taste in the mouth but some may only have the cough as a symptom

You may want to consider the use of topical steroid nasal sprays. There are different types such as nasonex, flonase, beconase, nasocort.
These can be combined with an oral anti histamine.
It can take a few weeks,in some persons, for improvement especially is it is related to allergies and there is still exposure to the allergen.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (21 hours later)
Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX That was my self diagnosis as well. But, i'm not an expert.
I'll try the nasal spray. How will it react with the other medicines I take.
Lisinopril, Estradiol, Amlodipine, and Ambien.
And, should I disregard the cough syrup. (Promethazine)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
no known interactions

Detailed Answer:
HI

There are no known interactions between the topical steroid nasal sprays and the medications that you mentioned.
The steroid sprays have minimal absorption and just mainly help to relieve symptoms in the ear/nose/throat such as the drip

Please feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Cough And Sneezing Inspite Of Quitting Smoking

Brief Answer: may be due to post nasal drip Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Chronic cough is a cough that lasts 8 weeks or more. It can be due to 3 main causes though other causes may be responsible: (1) post nasal drip-this is the most common cause. Secretions from the nose drip into the back of the throat. Some persons may have a silent drip. This means that they may not detect the drip and have the other symptoms normally associated with post nasal drip. The fact that the cough is associated with sneezing may imply that post nasal drip is the cough because sneezing is also a symptom of sinusitis. (2)asthma is the second most common cause of chronic cough. Your doctor may have suspected this because he gave albuterol inhalors (3)GERD- reflux of acid from the stomach is another cause of persistent coughing Typically most persons would have other reflux symptoms such as burning discomfort in the chest, bloating, nausea, acid taste in the mouth but some may only have the cough as a symptom You may want to consider the use of topical steroid nasal sprays. There are different types such as nasonex, flonase, beconase, nasocort. These can be combined with an oral anti histamine. It can take a few weeks,in some persons, for improvement especially is it is related to allergies and there is still exposure to the allergen. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions